Homestretch for the Holidays

December! It is very hard to believe we are already facing the end of another semester at Friedman. But the chilly air, harried faces, and crowded libraries are here to remind us that, yes, we’ve made it to finals season. Winter break is almost here!

This is the last issue of The Sprout for 2017, and as such, is a perfect time for reflection on all that has been accomplished over the past 12 months (we have decided to focus on the positive!). The Sprout published over 50 creative, forward-thinking articles whose content wouldn’t have been possible without the creative, forward-thinking students that make up the Friedman student body. As co-editors, we are proud and thankful for the writing that our student body shares with us every month.

This month, we want to highlight two timely pieces contributed by The Friedman Justice League and Julie Kurtz,in light of recent political controversy that hit close to home: one a statement of support of our colleagues at the Fletcher School of Diplomacy and The Tufts Daily, and the other a personal reflection.

Next, Sam Jones reviews the summer Netflix hitOkja and tells us how the underlying messages in the dystopian film may reflect the state of our current food production system, or where we may be headed.

November and December in America bring food traditions (and dietary restrictions) to light, as millions of households come together with friends and family to celebrate the holidays with shared meals of traditional (or not) dishes. Kathleen Naytells us about her experience and provides some tips for catering to myriad dietary requirements during the holidays.

The prospect of single-payer healthcare becoming a reality is upon us in Massachusetts, but we are still unsure what role nutrition will play in its scope. Ayten Salahi and Hattie Brown, members of the new student organization, Friedman Food Policy Action Council, dig in to the details and recount their meeting with state senator Jamie Eldridge.

Finally, Hannah Meier highlights the work of an art campaign fighting against eating disorders and body dissatisfaction inspired by the words of playwright Eve Ensler. “Love Your Tree” is the wish, and art is the command for students in participating programs around the globe. Poster submission is open until December 15, so read on to learn how you can be involved.

Happy reading, and happy new year – see you in 2018!

Hannah Meier & Kathleen Nay

In this issue…

The Friedman Justice League responds to Anthony Scaramucci’s resignation from the Advisory Board at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on November 28, 2017. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

The events of Tuesday, November 28 that culminated in Anthony Scaramucci’s resignation from the Fletcher School’s Advisory Board prompted a letter of solidarity for Fletcher from the Friedman Justice League. It also left graduate students across Tufts University campuses feeling contemplative about the kind of impact and influence we have the power to wield—both as individuals and as representatives of this anchor institution where we’ve made our academic homes. AFE/MPH student Julie Kurtz sent the Friedman Sprout a short reflection in response to the actions of our friends at Fletcher. In it, she offers some perspective on why we’re here, what justice means, and how we can contribute to the world around us.

Okja is a Netflix original film that was released in June 2017 and directed by Bon Joon Ho. While some may characterize it as a dystopian sci-fi film, others recognize it as a commentary on our modern industrial food complex. Warning: spoiler alert.

It’s the end of the semester. Motivation for cooking and weekly meal prep is low. Are you yearning for some Italian comfort fare, but don’t want to make the trek to North End? Fear not. This hidden gem will fill your heart and your belly.

As a nutrition student, Erin’s unabashed love of French fries may seem out of place. But for her, they are just one delicious part of an otherwise decently balanced diet. They’re her go-to when out at a bar with friends, and her favorite accompaniment to a bowl of steamed mussels. So, she decided to finally try her hand at making some real deep-fried French fries. However, she can’t in good conscience let this story be all be about deep-fried food. And so, she also made a batch of oven fries to compare to the deep-fried originals. She recruited a couple Friedman friends to taste test, and they had a delicious Fry-day night.

Thanksgiving is over and the leftovers are dwindling, but there is more holiday eating and meal prep on the horizon. As food and nutrition professionals, we understand that emotions can run high when it comes to sharing meals, traditions, and dietary restrictions with a crowd. So what can a holiday meal that balances a variety of special diets look like?

Including local incentives for food equity and nutritional status may boost momentum and potential of the MA Right to Health movement. Members of budding student group – the Friedman Food Policy Action Council (FFPAC) – met with Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge to discuss the need to include nutrition in a proposed cost analysis of a single payer health system (S.2202).

“Love Your Tree.” It’s a directive inspired by Eve Ensler, the writer and activist behind the one-woman play, The Good Body (you may also know her as the playwright for the wildly popular Vagina Monologues). “Love Your Tree” is also the foundation of a creative arts eating disorder prevention campaign that started at the Sheppard Pratt eating disorder treatment center in Maryland in 2006 and has since expanded nationally. Today, organizations across the country, including Massachusetts, are invited to participate in the 2018 campaign and submit artwork that illustrates body diversity, acceptance and positivity.